When they got to the Galapagos Islands four years later, Charles Darwin definitely got more than he had bargained for.

This, coupled with the marine evidence that he came across in the mountainous regions of Peru, led Darwin to better understand that geological uplifting and movements usually result in the formation of coral reefs and sinking of islands. Here, Darwin saw a powerful earthquake that awarded him the chance to witness the uplifting of the layers. The last destination they checked out before reaching the Galapagos Islands was Chile. In fact, these are what sparked the young man’s interest in the mutability of species. Here, Darwin studied the beaches’ formations, but soon after the boat left for Brazil: Where Darwin had the opportunity to admire and collect species in the Amazon Rain Forest.įrom Brazil, they left for Bahia Blanca, Argentina, where Darwin explored sea shells and fossils of big extinct mammals. The first specimens Darwin collected were plankton and marine invertebrates that he found on the boat. Captain Fitzroy’s mission, on the other hand, was to create accurate maps and charts of the region since new trade relations were being established with South America and the coastline was uncharted at the time. The first destination the boat stopped at was the western side of Africa: Cape Verde’s archipelago to be more specific. The voyage started on December 27 th, 1831 at Plymouth bay and ended on October 2 nd, 1836 in Falmouth. So after completing his studies at Cambridge’s Christ’s College at the age of 22, Charles Darwin decided to pursue his passion for collecting insects, plants and geological specimens. In 1831, the young man started his 5-year expedition aboard the HMS Beagle after persuading the Captain, Robert FitzRoy, to let him tag along as the ship’s naturalist. Robert W Darwin, his father was a medical doctor. Erasmus Darwin, his grandfather was a celebrated botanist whereas Dr. And one of the main things that sparked his interest in science was the fact he came from a long line of scientists. Dr. That said, today, we’re going to talk about Charles Darwin’s expedition on the islands and how it contributed to his thoughts that would later result in his book “The Origin of Species.” Charles Darwin’s Expeditionīorn in the merchant township of Shrewsbury, England on Feb 12, 1809, Darwin was the 4 th of six kids. Throughout the highlands, you will find trees that evolved from daisies and others that are covered in striking lichens and mosses. In the lowlands, on the other hand, you will find lots of cacti plants that have astonishingly adapted to the region’s climate, which is usually cool at night but hotter during the day. To top off the astounding fauna, Galapagos island’s plants are just as mind-blowing. Charles Darwin and his trip to the Galapagos IslandsĬharles Darwin, his book “The Origin of Species”, and the theory of evolution will always be associated with the Galapagos Islands. If you’ve been to the islands, then you’ll attest when I say that they’re home to some of the most extraordinary and unique animal species, including, but not limited to rays, sharks, sea lions, fur seals, iguanas, and giant tortoises.

Darwin galapagos